Strengthening Coastal Resilience: Understanding the Landscape of Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessments in the Pacific Northwest

Abstract

This study explores the current landscape of sea level rise (SLR) vulnerability assessments across coastal and Tribal jurisdictions in Washington State, with comparisons to Oregon and British Columbia. We analyzed assessments that focused specifically on sea level rise, as well as climate vulnerability assessments that included sea level rise among other climate hazards. Through a qualitative content analysis of 39 assessments (SLR-specific and climate vulnerability assessments that included sea level rise among other climate hazards) and six interviews with coastal planning professionals, we evaluate how sea level rise vulnerability is defined, measured, and applied in local adaptation planning.